Relating cone penetration resistance to sand state using the material point method

M. Martinelli, F. Pisanò*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)
36 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Cone penetration tests (CPTs) can quantitatively inform about the mechanical state of a sand. However, relating measured cone resistance values to sand state requires complex back-analysis of the processes occurring in the soil during the test. This paper provides new evidence of the value added in this area by modern large-deformation modelling based on the material point method (MPM). It is shown that accurate simulation of the relationship between cone resistance and sand state can be achieved, on condition that the constitutive behaviour of the soil - and especially its critical state features - is adequately modelled over a wide range of confining pressures. This study relies on the predictive capabilities of the critical state NorSand model, and shows how previous calibrations endeavours from the literature (based on triaxial test results) can support the MPM simulation of unrelated CPT results obtained through calibration chamber tests. MPM CPT simulations of ever-increasing quality will positively impact the state of the art of CPT interpretation procedures, to date still largely based on simplified cavity expansion theories.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)131-138
Number of pages8
JournalGeotechnique Letters (Online)
Volume12
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022

Bibliographical note

Green Open Access added to TU Delft Institutional Repository 'You share, we take care!' - Taverne project https://www.openaccess.nl/en/you-share-we-take-care Otherwise as indicated in the copyright section: the publisher is the copyright holder of this work and the author uses the Dutch legislation to make this work public.

Keywords

  • Sand
  • in situ testing
  • numerical modelling
  • constitutive relations
  • geomaterial characterisation

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Relating cone penetration resistance to sand state using the material point method'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this